A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day Feb. 6, 2019
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (1 John 1:4-6)
We have addressed this topic many times in our devotionals over the years. However, the more I experience life (I am 73 yoa now), and the more my wife and I minister (37 years and counting), the more I am convinced that the single greatest factor that contributes to a weak and powerless church is blaming God for everything that happens. Today, let’s come at this from a slightly different direction to see if we can get our point across a little bit better. Let’s read the following scripture very carefully:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Now, how do you interpret this scripture? Do you use this scripture to support the argument that all things are controlled by God? Or, do you believe that all things that happen are not from God but He will cause all things to work together for the good for those who are called according to his purpose? There is a big difference between those two points of view!!! Now, let’s look at another scripture:
Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart. (Genesis 50:19-21, The Message Bible)
Now, how do you interpret this scripture? Did God orchestrate the evil or did He take the things the enemy meant for harm and turn them into something good?
You might think this is a simple play on words but it is very, very important. It is the difference between being single-minded or being double-minded and we know that a double-minded man will receive nothing from God (James 1:6-8) . It is the difference between having faith in God or not having faith in God for we know that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) . It is the difference in knowing that God’s plans for His children are for good and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11). It is the difference in knowing that God is good and not evil (Mark 10:18). All these things can bring about double-mindedness and result in a weak and powerless Church with weak and powerless believers if you believe the wrong way.
Hear is the simple truth. God is good and not evil. The enemy (Satan) and all his demons are evil and have no good in them. They are liars and they will twist the scriptures to get you to believe that all things (including sickness, death and destruction) are all controlled by God. If you fall for that then you will not fight the good fight of faith that God wants you to fight because you will think you are fighting against God. That is where the double-mindedness, doubt and unbelief comes in!
God is Good all the time!!!!
